ABACO -- The Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament (TCBT) recently announced a new date and format for its 31st annual competition.
The tournament is now scheduled for June 25-29, 2014 and will be held at Treasure Cay Beach Marina & Golf Resort in Abaco. The tournament will offer three fishing days - Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with an optional 'Family Fun Day', Kettle of Fish Tournament and 'Rock the Dock Party' on Sunday. Treasure Cay General Manager Stephen Kappeler said: "We took into consideration that some tournament participants may like to depart on Sunday to return to work on Monday. Plus, scheduling the event after school is out will make it easier for participants to include their families."
Known for its great fishing, excellent value and social events, the world-class competition attracts teams from around the world. The TCBT also offers social parties, dinners and fun competitions. Its guaranteed cash payout ranges from $10,000 for a minimum of 10 boats and up to $50,000 for the participation of 50 boats.
The TCBT offers a special bonus of one free room night at the resort or a free day of dockage for registrations made prior to March 31, 2014. The early registrations also receive an entry into a drawing for free tournament dockage for boats up to 60 feet, and additional prizes.
One of the best fishing destinations in The Bahamas, Treasure Cay is known for grander-size record-breaking marlin, large dolphin and wahoo. While billfish is the focus of the TCBT, the tournament includes Fun Fish Division awards for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. The Fun Fish Division offers an optional payout rivaling top prizes of U.S.-based tournaments. In addition to the cash prizes, winners receive beautiful trophies and the top team is honored with a statuesque perpetual trophy showcased in the resort's Spinnaker Restaurant, one of the largest air conditioned out-island restaurant facilities available for events. Awards are also presented to the top lady and junior anglers.
Release point standings are verified by the participant's own digital and/or video camera with an image that can verify the time and date the photo was taken. The TCBT is open to the public and center consoles over 30 feet are welcomed. The top TCBT team will qualify for the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Offshore World Championship, with information available at www.igfaoffshorechampionship.com.
In addition to great food and family social events, the TCBT also raises funds for the children of the Treasure Cay Primary School. Registration for up to six team members, including boat entry, cash prize eligibility, dinners, cocktail parties, team goody bag and room discounts, can be made online at www.treasurecay.com.
The current champion of the event is Team Southern Comfort, owned by Peter Angel, from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Southern Comfort captured the lead on the last day of fishing, bumping Domarlo, owned by Doug Macdonald, from West Palm Beach, Florida to second place. Big T's Too, owned by Bob Wolsey, from Sarasota, Florida dashed from zero to 800 points on the last day to snag third place.
Domarlo claimed the Ultra Champ award for most points earned by prior TCBT winners. The Kettle of Fish Tournament resulted in the catch of more than 70 lionfish as well as several snappers.

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